Barnardos highlights importance of play for young children

PARENTS should encourage babies and toddlers to play as it lays the vital foundations for learning in school, according to a booklet launched yesterday.

Children’s charity Barnardos drew up the guide to highlight the importance of play to the future wellbeing of young children.

Elaine Guiney, a child and family development worker with Barnardos, said: “All the learning that takes place through play lays the foundation for learning in school, like early maths skills, language skills and concentration.

“Most importantly, it teaches social skills, which is learning for life, not just school, life in general.”

At the launch of the free book, Guide to Games and Activities for 0-5 Year Olds by Barnardos and Cow & Gate, in Dublin, Ms Guiney said play ensures children explore the world, test their skills, communicate, learn to share and develop their independence.

With more than 300,000 children overweight or obese in Ireland alone, MsGuiney said play was also important in tackling the growing weight problems.

“Now when there are so many working parents today, finding time to fit in play time with their child can be difficult, but if you just make a few small adjustments to your daily routine, you’ll find that you can fit it in during the day. Children love to help out with household chores,” she said.

The guide is available free of charge from Barnardos or by ringing the Cow & Gate freephone number on 1800 570570. It includes a range of games and activities to do with babies and toddlers.

“Parents are their own children’s earliest and most important teachers and they can easily provide safe, stimulating and varied opportunities for children to explore and learn at home,” Ms Guiney said.